Diplurans: Diplura

Physical characteristics: This species measures 0.2 to 0.3 inches (6 to 8 millimeters) and can only be identified by looking at the hair-like structures on the body and the abdomen under a microscope. The body is pale yellow, while the last abdominal segment and pincher-like structures are dark brown. The antennae have twenty-six segments. Each half of the pinchers has a distinctive toothlike projection.

Geographic range: These diplurans are found in central California. They are distributed from the Pacific coast east to the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Habitat: This species lives in the soil and is often found under rocks and wet leaf litter.

Holjapyx diversiunguis live in the soil and are often found under rocks and wet leaf litter. (Illustration by John Megahan. Reproduced by permission.)

Diet: Nothing is known about the food preferences of this animal.

Behavior and reproduction: This dipluran has been found down in the soil to depths of 30 inches (76 centimeters).

A female was found with eight small larvae, suggesting that she not only looks after her young, but that she probably stands guard over the eggs.

Holijapyx diversiunguis and people: This species has no direct impact on people or their activities.

Conservation status: This species is not threatened or endangered. ∎